This is an exclusive interview series conducted by the Editor Team of CIO News with Senthil Kumar Iyyappan (SKI), Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Ocrolus.
How did you plan your career path to be a successful technology leader?
My career path was a mix of strategic decisions and continuous learning. I focused on building a strong foundation in technology, starting with hands-on roles where I could deeply understand the mechanics of IT infrastructure and information security. As I progressed, I sought opportunities to lead projects that combined technical skills with business acumen, which helped me develop leadership qualities. I’ve always maintained a growth mindset, staying open to new technologies, trends, and feedback. I also prioritized aligning my goals with the organization’s objectives, ensuring that my work had a real impact on the business.
What challenges did you face in your career path, and how did you overcome them?
One of the significant challenges I faced was staying current with the fast-evolving technology landscape while managing teams and business expectations. It’s easy to become siloed into one area, but to lead effectively, I had to have a broad understanding of multiple technologies. To overcome this, I invested time in continuous learning and cross-functional collaboration to gain insights from different parts of the business. Another challenge was the occasional resistance to change within organizations. I addressed this by focusing on clear communication, explaining the necessity and demonstrating the tangible benefits.
What are the challenges faced by technology leaders today while implementing digital technologies?
Today’s technology leaders face several challenges, such as the pace of technological change, cybersecurity threats, and legacy systems that hinder the adoption of new technologies. Another challenge is aligning digital transformation initiatives with the broader business strategy, ensuring they deliver measurable value. Additionally, there is often a gap between technology and non-technical stakeholders, creating barriers to successful implementation. Lastly, managing and cultivating the right talent to execute these transformations while addressing skills shortages remains a major challenge.
How can technology leaders overcome the challenges faced?
Technology leaders should foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. This includes providing ongoing training for teams and encouraging cross-functional collaboration. Clear communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders is essential for ensuring everyone is aligned on the goals of digital initiatives. Moreover, adopting a phased approach to technology implementation is crucial—start small, demonstrate value, and then scale. Leaders should also embrace innovation in cybersecurity and data privacy by integrating these considerations into every stage of the transformation process. Finally, investing in a robust talent pipeline and mentorship programs can help address the skills gap in the long term.
Any best practices, industry trends, or advice you would like to suggest to fellow technology leaders for their successful professional journeys?
A few practices that have helped me are:
- Fostering a growth mindset within your team, encouraging collaboration across departments, and always aligning technology initiatives with business objectives.
- Staying on top of industry trends like AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity advancements is crucial, but understanding how these technologies can be applied to solve real business problems is equally important.
- Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of people skills—successful technology leaders are also effective communicators, negotiators, and motivators.
Any other points that you would like to highlight?
One point I’d like to highlight is the importance of resilience. The journey is not always smooth, and there will be setbacks. How you respond to these challenges is crucial—view them as learning opportunities and adapt quickly. Building strong networks inside and outside your organization is also important for gaining new perspectives and staying ahead in the field. Lastly, being a technology leader today means focusing on technology and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion within your teams, ensuring that everyone has a voice and the opportunity to succeed.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: CIO News LinkedIn Account | CIO News Facebook | CIO News Youtube | CIO News Twitter
About us:
CIO News is the premier platform dedicated to delivering the latest news, updates, and insights from the CIO industry. As a trusted source in the technology and IT sector, we provide a comprehensive resource for executives and professionals seeking to stay informed and ahead of the curve. With a focus on cutting-edge developments and trends, CIO News serves as your go-to destination for staying abreast of the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and IT. Founded in June 2020, CIO News has rapidly evolved with ambitious growth plans to expand globally, targeting markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, USA, and the UK.
CIO News is a proprietary of Mercadeo Multiventures Pvt Ltd.
